italy star

[westfale]

Hello!

First of all sorry for my english, but I hope you understand my question anyway...

A few days ago I've found an italy star for my collection; in comparison with my other stars this star looks different, just like a little bit "golden". the ring was a small like the others, but the surface...

Could it be a star later produced? Or, I hope not!, a copy?

And another qouestion: do you have some information about copies and how I can see them?

Thanks a lot for your help

westfale

[Tony]

I wouldn't worry about it. These stars are still being issued today but with a larger suspension ring, attach a picture so that we can see for comparison.

It might be worth looking here http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=2906&hl=

There's nothing wrong with your English so no need to excuse yourself

Tony

[Ed_Haynes]

While there are FAKES, Commonwealth WWII medals are far from being Thoird Reich or even Soviet awards in the degree of fear needed. Despite what some may say, there is GREAT variability of official manufacture (all over the Empire, after all) for WWII (and even WWI) medals.

[westfale]

Hello, Tony!

Here is the picture of my italy star - what do you think?

regards

westfale

[Tony]

Hello Westfale,

I see what you mean but I too have different types. As Ed says, there were manufacturers all over the Empire/Commonwealth producing these stars so I wouldn't worry.

I had my Grandad's stars and medals issued a few years ago and my Mum has recently received her Uncle's stars and medals, the latter stars are of a far better quality but the medals are about the same.

You can pick up an Africa Star for about ?10 - ?15 so it may be worth keeping an eye out for one you prefer the look of.

Tony

[westfale]

Hello Tony, Hello Ed,

thanks a lot for your help!

Here is an additional question about the stars: Do you have some details about the amount of medals which were issued and also some detailed information about what was necessary to get these stars? Or do you have an internet resource for this information?

westfale

[Ed_Haynes]

All I know are the numbers struck at the Calcutta Mint and issued to Indian soldiers (mostly named). Let me just give all those Calcutta numbers:

War Medal 2,541,000

1939-45 1,520,000

Burma 1,210,000

Africa 202,000

Defence 201,500

Italy 150,300

Pacific 31,500

F&G 3,100

Atlantic 2,000

ACE 0 (but no RIAF included)

ISM unrecorded (it was too new)

See Gordon (British Battles and Medals) for details. Sometimes (most of the time?) "sources" are books, not the "web".

Edited January 16, 2006 by Ed_Haynes

[Ed_Haynes]

You may want to see also:

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=2906

[Tony]

Here's something about the entitlement http://www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/wwii_medals.htm

Tony